Almost all (95 per cent) clients receiving ongoing financial advice believe it is helping them reach and stay on track for their financial goals, research from St. James’s Place (SJP) has revealed.

The vast majority (85 per cent) said they were currently on track or ahead of their financial targets compared to 64 per cent of people not receiving advice.

SJP’s Real Life Advice Report 2025 highlighted the role of advice in making goal-driven, purposeful financial decisions, with those receiving advice more than twice as likely to have a structured financial plan in place and be working towards a specific financial goal than those not taking advice.

Advice also drives more directional financial decisions, with 85 per cent of those receiving advice stating their spending, saving, and investing were aligned with their life aspirations, compared to 60 per cent of those not advised.

Advised clients demonstrated a more balanced and long-term approach to their priorities, with 49 per cent aiming to balance both short- and long-term goals, compared to 31 per cent of those without advice.

Nearly a third (29 per cent) of advised clients focused mainly on long-term goals, compared to 12 per cent not advised, while only 10 per cent concentrate primarily on short-term goals, compared to 19 per cent of not advised.

Advice also pushes people to save for retirement, with 58 per cent of advised clients doing so compared to just 35 per cent of those not receiving advice.

“Our research highlights the role of advice in helping people define, plan and stay focused on their financial goals,” said SJP head of advice, Claire Trott.

“Clients who receive ongoing support are not only more likely to save with purpose and maintain a long-term focus, but they’re also more likely to see results and achieve measurable progress.

“As we approach the Autumn Budget next week, many clients may be tempted to shift to more of a short-term focus in response to policy announcements. This is where the role of advisers will be critical, providing perspective and reassurance to keep clients focused on their long-term objectives, rather than reacting to short-term noise.

“While the data clearly highlights the role of advice in driving success, the advice gap across the nation continues to grow. As an industry, we have a responsibility to make financial advice and guidance more accessible.

"The government’s Targeted Support proposals are a positive step towards bridging the gap between general guidance and full regulated advice, ensuring more people can access the help they need to plan with confidence.”

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